善意
Meanings
good intentions; goodwill; positive mindset
Refers to a person's sincere, well-meaning attitude or intentions. Often contrasted with 悪意 (malice). Sense 3 (positive mindset) is a natural extension and is included here.
His actions came from good intentions.
It is necessary to protect a third party acting in good faith.
good faith; bona fides
Legal term for acting honestly and without intent to defraud. Often used in phrases like 善意の第三者 (bona fide third party).
See also: 悪意
A buyer in good faith may acquire ownership in some cases.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉の善意に応えるto live up to someone's good intentions
He started studying seriously to live up to his teacher's good intentions.
- 善意で〈動詞〉to do something out of good intentions
She helped her neighbor out of good intentions.
- 善意を無にするto waste or disregard someone's good intentions
I don't want to do anything that would waste his good intentions.
- 善意に基づく〈事〉an action/decision based on good faith
The contract was a transaction made in good faith.
Expressions
- 善意の第三者bona fide third party